As I sit here on the coldest day of the season so far and reflect on many of the people I know who struggle with winter’s impact, I happened to come across this article in the New York Times about thriving this time of year . After taking my dog for a walk and enjoying a bit of friluftsliv (more on that below), I am now sitting in front of a sunny window enjoying a warm cup of coffee and a bit of hygge (more on that below as well) to write about the scientific evidence and wi

While it was technically released in December 2023, I have decided that "How Not to Age" by Dr. Michael Greger is my book of the year for 2024. That might be because, given its sheer size and density of information, I am still making my way through it here in 2025. It’s taken me that long to wade through the voluminous research located not only in the pages of the book but in the many ancillary videos and references included in it. I first encountered Dr. Greger at the nation

While not all of us are going to live to 100, we can all increase our odds of leading longer, healthier lives by making some simple lifestyle choices. A groundbreaking study published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine  shows that even for those who are genetically predisposed to die younger, small but impactful adjustments to daily habits can add years to our lives. In fact, the study revealed that those who adopted healthy behaviors could extend their life expectancy by as much

Introduction: One of the most common questions I hear from patients (and at dinner parties) is: What are the best ways to keep our brains healthy as we age, prevent cognitive decline and avoid dementia? Fortunately, there are some well-established ways to promote brain health and some newer studies that point to intriguing ways to build on these core strategies. Because tons of new data are being released all the time, I've decided to update this post with the latest informat

Introduction: More and more, I’m finding that the pursuit of optimal health, not just the remediation of health problems, has become a paramount goal for my patients and those around me. I’m heartened that the American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) stands at the forefront, championing a holistic approach to healthcare and a healthier and more sustainable future. Recently, I had the privilege of attending the ACLM Conference, an immersive experience that not only broade

Introduction For years, researchers have explored the connection between our diet and our mental health and that connection is now clearer than ever. The gut microbiome, comprising trillions of bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms are continuously affected by what we eat and drink and they appear to play a crucial role in influencing our mood and mental well-being. While this connection has long been postulated, large-scale human studies to pinpoint the specific organisms

Introduction In the world we live in today, convenience and cost often takes precedence over health when it comes to food choices. Ultra processed foods, including most packaged foods, frozen pizza, ready-to-eat meals, and a range of snacks, have become staples in many diets. They're designed to taste delicious and easy to grab on the go, but could they be taking a toll on our cognitive health? Recent research suggests a concerning link between ultra processed foods and cogni